About Us

Mr Zen was set up in early 2008 to provide websites and online marketing advice to all industries. The directors have been responsible for creating some of the largest websites in the specialist holiday sector and have an intimate knowledge of the requirements of these companies because of the range of companies that we have been exposed to.

We are fast growing, dynamic development company with a passion for the latest technologies and techniques which make our systems both innovative and award winning. Our portfolio of clients benefit from us being able to provide services from the front end right through to the back.

Our Directors

Matt Illston - Managing Director

Matt began his career in travel in 1998 at Explore Worldwide. After spending 2 years contracting and costing adventure tours, he qualifyed as a project manager. Matt then managed the build of the first dynamic website for Explore. Eventually, he moved to the marketing department where he became responsible for eCommerce.

A spell of 3 years at First Choice Activity Sector saw Matt rise rapidly through the ranks to the position of ‘Head of eCommerce’ for the £150m turnover ‘Fixed Asset Group’. This included companies such as Sunsail, the Inland Waterways Division, Flexiski, Trek America, Le Boat, Luxury Mountain Hotels and more.

A keen sailor, Matt is most likely to be heard saying:

"What is the wind like at the weekend?"

 

David Havard - Technical Director

David also began his career at Explore Worldwide in 1995, working in the Operations Department. He quickly caught the ‘technical’ bug and has been developing applications and websites ever since.

After a spell as a Director at the First Choice Adventure Sector, David co-founded and developed the large travel community portal ‘AddictedToTravel.com’.

A keen traveller and family man, David brings cutting-edge development to Mr Zen, giving us a solid technical platform for our online marketing, SEO and website development.

David is most likely to be heard saying:

"That's easy..."